Friday, June 14, 2013

Effective July 1st, new visa laws take effect in China. The reform is extensive and every expat teacher should take 30 minutes to read these twolinks to fully understand the changes and - the consequences. This is serious stuff guys so pay attention...

The CFTU applauds the the 5 year visa concept which puts an end to all those expensive and inconvenient visa runs expat teachers are forced to make. However, considering the extremely low wages paid to foreign teachers in China, the China Foreign Teachers Union would like to see a central government legal mandate that compels all employers (especially schools) to provide new hire teachers a z visa BEFORE they land in China - and at their expense - not the teachers. This would eliminate about 50% of all teacher abuse and exploitation in China.

But be warned that scammers are already selling phony 5 year visas online and with stickers posted all around universities. These are counterfeit visas and under the new law visa agents are outlawed. So hang up immediately on anyone who claims to be a visa agent. Also if a private Chinese school asks you to turn over your passport so they can get you a visa do not comply with their request. Instead ask them who they want you to call or visit at the China PSB Visa Bureau or they may just stick a phony visa into your passport without your knowledge. No public or international school will attempt such a stunt however.Now here is a summary of the changes you need to be aware of. This is ONLY A SUMMARY so be sure to read the two links above for all the exceptions and deadlines involved:

1.No more L or F visa extensions after July 1st

Under
normal circumstances, most passport holders could get extensions for 30
days simply by paying a fee. Extensions and visas valid up to July 1
can be obtained, not beyond. If you arrive after 1 July, you will only
get 30 days with no option of extensions until some time in fall.

2.F Visas issued in China no longer renewed in China

Only
F visas issued outside of China (not including Shenzhen or Zhuhai) can
be extended within China. F visas issued within China cannot be
extended.

3. F and L visas good for only 30 days

If
you want to stay in China for over 30 days, you need to apply for a Z
work visa. Both F and L visas have been reduced to 30 days without
having to extend.

4.No switching visa types between L and F

You
can no longer change your visa type from L to F or vice versa. If you
want to get an L visa while you have an F and are living in China, you
will need to go to Hong Kong and apply for an L visa.

5.Rules for getting a Z visa

To
get a Z visa, you must be employed by a registered company, undergo
medical tests, be graduated for two years and provide recommendation
letters from previous employers. The main thing they are looking for in
granting Z visas is that you are a specialist in your field and very
much needed by your company for a position that could not be filled
locally.

6. No more multiple-entry China visas issued

Multiple
entry visas have been suspended indefinitely. China Law Blog suggests,
this could be a permanent change. However, multiple-entry visas that
have not expired are still valid. Now only 30-day single or double-entry
visas are being issued and some expats are having to go back to their
home country to get visas.

7.Traveling overland, you still need a flight ticket to get a visa

Currently
the issuing of visas requires proof of transport into and out of the
country which effectively makes overland travel impossible unless you
purchase fully refundable tickets through a travel agency.

8.The penalties for overstaying your visa

According
to multiple reports, foreigners without a valid visa must expect to be
awarded the red 'has to leave China within ten days' stamp in their
passport, which will make it nearly impossible to apply for a new visa

9. Extending Z visas and spouse visas is not a problem and not affected by the new rules

New
Z visas and spouse visas have not been affected by the new policies.
However, dependent visa that were previously also issued to non-married
couples with children now require the provision of a marriage
certificate.

10.Don't forget to register at the police station if you're not staying at a hotel

If you
are staying anywhere other than a hotel (with friends or family), you
need to register at the police station within a week of your arrival.
Bring your passport, two copies of your passport, two copies of the
lease for the residence you're staying at and someone to interpret if
your Chinese is poor (or at least a mobile with a number you can call
for interpreting assistance).Keep the pink form they give you. You won't be able to renew your visa without it.

You will find about three air-ports where outsiders can easily enter Vietnam: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh Town, and also Da Nang. Ahead of outsiders can easily enter the country by way of these types of air-ports, they must obtain a Vietnam Visa. A new Vietnam carte visa becomes necessary for some outsiders to help gain access to enter and also depart Vietnam. People to the country should be aware of the cost of a new visa.

About Me

I am the administrator of this blog who will try to keep all comments civil, and on point. All comments here must be made in English. I can be contacted at: Admin[at]ChinaForeignTeachersUnion.org I am one of the 5 board members of the CFTU.